Essentials of Semiconductor Physics

Provides a modern introduction to semiconductor physics, presentingthe basic information necessary to understand semiconductors, alongwith some of the latest theories and developments. Based on theauthor's undergraduate course, this book bridges the gap betweenbasic subjects such as quantum mechanics and Maxwell's equationsand the fundamental processes determining the behaviour ofsemiconductors. Following a quantum mechanics approach this text ispredominantly aimed at scientists rather then engineers, and formsthe basis for the understanding of modern mesoscopic physics insemiconductors and quantum devices like resonant tunnelingdiodes.

Rather than attempting to comprehensively cover all aspects ofsemiconductor physics, this text aims to cover the most importantand interesting aspects of this subject to scientists. Startingwith the development of semiconductor physics from basic quantummechanics, the text moves on to cover band structure and effectivemass theory, before covering electron-phonon coupling and chargetransport. It concludes with a chapter on optical transitions.Students will need some knowledge of quantum mechanics and solidstate although this is covered to some extent in the book.

FEATURES

* Concise introduction to the basics of semiconductor physics

* Bridges the gap between fundamental subjects such as quantummechanics and Maxwell's equations and the processes determining thebehaviour of semiconductors

* Describes semiconductor theory from a full quantum mechanicalapproach.An accessible introduction, avoiding reliance on grouptheory

CONTENTS: Preface; Notation Conventions; Introduction; Electrons,nuclei and Hamiltonians; Band Structure; The k - p Approximation;Effective Mass Theory; The Crystal Lattice; Electron-phononCoupling; Charge Transport, Optical Transitions; Band Electrons inan Optical Field; Appendix A: The Hydrogen Atom; Appendix B: TheHarmonic Oscillator; Appendix C: Perturbation Theory; AppendixD:Tensors in Cubic Crystals; Appendix E: The Classical Limit;Appendix F: Some Fourier Transforms; Appendix G: Exercises;Bibliography.